10 Important Changes to the SAT in 2016

A new version of the SAT was introduced in spring 2016, the first time the test has changed since 2005. There are 10 important changes that have been made to the SAT, per the official SAT website (www.collegeboard.com). These changes will affect all high school students starting with the class of 2017.

1. On the current SAT, the scoring scale is 2400. On the new SAT, the scoring scale will be 1600, with a separate score for the essay.

2. On the current SAT, the essay is required. On the new SAT, the essay will be optional.

3. On the current SAT, points are deducted for incorrect answers. On the new SAT, no points will be deducted for incorrect answers.

4. On the current SAT, reading and writing sections do not require students to cite evidence to support their answers. On the new SAT, students will support answers with evidence, often requiring them to cite a specific part of a passage to support their answer.

5. On the current SAT, vocabulary is focused on words that are sometimes obscure and not widely used in college or career. On the new SAT, the exam will focus on words such as synthesis or empirical whose specific meaning depends on the context.
6. On the current SAT, reading and writing do not require data analysis. On the new SAT, students will be asked to analyze text and data in real-world contexts.

7. On the current SAT, source documents are drawn from texts that are not widely recognized or publicly available. On the new SAT, students will read from either a founding document such as the Declaration of independence or from the conversation the document inspires.

8. On the current SAT, the math section samples content from a wide range of high school-level math topics. On the new SAT, the math section will draw from fewer topics but ones that most contribute to student readiness for college and career.

9. On the current SAT, calculators are permitted for the full math section. On the new SAT, a no-calculator section will allow greater assessment of students’ understanding.

10. On the current SAT, the SAT is available on paper only. On the new SAT, the SAT will be available in paper and digital forms.

EDUTECH is preparing a new prep course for the revised SAT. Our comprehensive course will be available in December 2015 in preparation for the new SAT which starts in the spring of 2016.